Insomnia does not affect heart rate changes when young adults watch humorous films: An exploratory study

Emotional reactivity in insomnia is affected both subjectively and on a physiological level for negative emotional material, but little is known about reactions to positive stimuli. We here investigated whether in younger adult insomnia patients, presentation of short humorous films would lead to heart rate decreases during and after film viewing, as compared to heart rate changes when falling asleep. Investigating 20 participants with DSM‐5‐diagnosed insomnia and 18 participants without insomnia, we found that heart rate decreased when falling asleep, increased when watching humorous films and returned to normal values afterwards for all participants. Film‐related heart rate increases were strongly related to humour ratings of the films. No differences were found between those with and without insomnia on subjective ratings of the films, film‐related heart rate changes or when falling asleep. We conclude that the experience of positive daily life stimuli in younger adults is not affected by insomnia in our study, despite insomnia having a known more profound effect on negative stimuli. Future studies exploring insomnia‐related autonomous nervous system responses combining different neurophysiological modalities should confirm our findings.     

Poor Outcome of Bilateral Lower Extremity Morel-Lavallee Lesions: A Case Report

The Morel-Lavallee lesion is a closed, internal degloving injury that results when a strong, shearing force is applied parallel to the plane of injury, as is common in vehicular trauma. It is an underdiagnosed entity that is often missed during the initial trauma workup as symptoms can be subtle. There are few reports of lesions occurring below the knee. Most cases affect the proximal thigh and trochanter, as these tend to be dependent areas in high velocity trauma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first literature report of bilateral lower extremity Morel-Lavallee lesions.     

Coronary artery disease and its risk factors in patients presenting for liver transplantation

Study ObjectiveTo determine the distribution of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors across the various etiologies of end-stage liver disease, and to elucidate the relationship between severe alcohol consumption and CAD.DesignRetrospective multicenter study analysis.SettingNational Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file data.MeasurementsData from all primary adult orthotopic liver transplant recipients during the period from 2004 through 2006 were studied. Data were divided into 5 groups according to each patient’s etiology of end-stage liver disease. The prevalence of CAD and the distribution of its risk factors were compared among groups.Main results17,482 cases were studied. The incidence of CAD was highest in nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (7.4%) and lowest in biliary cirrhosis (1.7%). No difference in prevalence of CAD and its risk factors was noted between the viral and alcoholic etiologies (Hepatitis C 2.7%, Hepatitis B 2.3%, and alcoholic cirrhosis 2.9%).ConclusionsPrevalence of CAD and the distribution of CAD risk factors in patients with severe alcohol consumption were similar to patients with viral hepatitis. CAD was most prevalent in patients with hepatic steatosis. This study argues against the notion of decreased expression and progression of CAD in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis presenting for liver transplantation.     

Primary reperfusion in acute right ventricular infarction: An observational study简

AIM: To investigate the impact of primary reperfusion therapy (RT) on early and late mortality in acute right ventricular infarction (RVI).METHODS: RVI patients (n = 679) were prospectively classified as without right ventricular failure (RVF) (class A, n = 425, 64%), with RVF (class B, n = 158, 24%) or with cardiogenic shock (CS) (class C, n = 96, 12%). Of the 679 patients, 148 (21.7%) were considered to be eligible for thrombolytic therapy (TT) and 351 (51.6%) for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). TIMI 3-flow by TT was achieved for A, B and C RVI class in 65%, 64% and 0%, respectively and with PPCI in 93%, 91% and 87%, respectively.RESULTS: For class A without RT, the mortality rate was 7.9%, with TT was reduced to 4.4% (P < 0.01) and with PPCI to 3.2% (P < 0.01). Considering TT vs PPCI, PPCI was superior (P < 0.05). For class B without RT the mortality was 27%, decreased to 13% with TT (P < 0.01) and to 8.3% with PPCI (P < 0.01). In a TT and PPCI comparison, PPCI was superior (P < 0.01). For class C without RT the in-hospital mortality was 80%, with TT was 100% and with PPCI, the rate decreased to 44% (P < 0.01). At 8 years, the mortality rate without RT for class A was 32%, for class B was 48% and for class C was 85%. When PPCI was successful, the long-term mortality was lower than previously reported for the 3 RVI classes (A: 21%, B: 38%, C: 70%; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: PPCI is superior to TT and reduces short/long-term mortality for all RVI categories. RVI CS patients should be encouraged to undergo PPCI at a specialized center.     

High Incidence of Appendix Carcinoid Tumors Among Candidates for Bariatric Surgery: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications

Although the appendix has been recognized as a preferential site for carcinoid tumors in obese patients, no definitive guidelines are so far available regarding the management of these patients when candidates for bariatric surgery. This study was designed to fill that gap. Between 2000-2008, 558 patients underwent bariatric procedures. Appendectomy was routinely performed in 477 cases. Their charts were retrospectively retrieved and histopathology responses on surgical specimens were recorded. We aimed to assess: incidence of appendix carcinoid tumors (ACTs) and any possible risk-factor; modality of diagnosis (pre-, intra- or post-operatively); impact on the planned bariatric procedure; treatment reserved to such cases. Typical ACTs were diagnosed in 7 patients (1.4%) (median age: 33 years; median BMI: 49 kg/m2; males/females: 1/6). Four were diagnosed intra-operatively. Because of dimensions (<2 cm) and absence of mesoappendiceal or serosal involvement, simple appendectomy was performed during bariatric procedure, as planned. Three were diagnosed post-operatively (all <2 cm). In 1 case right hemicolectomy was performed 1 month later due to mesoappendiceal involvement. No appendectomy-related complication was encountered. All patients remained tumor-free during follow-up (mean: 64 months; range, 25-92). Young age, female sex, high BMI and diabetes mellitus resulted significantly associated with ACT. Our study sustains routine appendectomy or at least careful investigation of the appendix during bariatric surgery. For tumors <2 cm without mesoappendiceal or serosal involvement, simple appendectomy proved sufficient. Bariatric surgery did not have a negative effect on the treatment of malignancies that are discovered intra- or post-operatively.     

[35S]methionine interaction with rat liver tRNA and effect of chemical carcinogens

The interaction of [³⁵S]methionine with hepatic tRNA in normal, carcinogen-treated, and partially hepatectomized rats was studied. tRNA was preferentially labeled following [³⁵S]methionine (1.6 mCi, 25 mg/kg body wt) administration by intraperitoneal injection. The extent of [³⁵S]methionine-tRNA interaction was impaired by partial hepatectomy and by conditions having a carcinogenic potential.Presented at the Proceedings of the International Meetings on Normal and Neoplastic Growth in Hepatology, Bari, Italy, June 1989.Supported by CNR, Progetti Finalizzati Chimica Fine ed Oncologia